I'm writing to share news that comes with a genuine mix of gratitude and difficulty: about three months ago I made the decision to step down as Mainstream’s Executive Director following the untimely passing of my sister, Jamie. It was not an easy decision, but one that reflects how my personal life has called me to radically reprioritize in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I will continue to serve as Executive Director through August 31 to support the thoughtful transition plan put in place by our Board and Staff. 

Leading Mainstream has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Together we've fought hard campaigns, built coalitions across lines of faith and politics, and stood shoulder to shoulder with a Board and a membership as committed to this mission as any I've ever known. I am so proud of what we've built, and even prouder to have built it alongside all of you.

I'm honored to share that our Board has selected Laurel Burchfield to lead Mainstream into its next chapter as Executive Director. Laurel is not new to this fight — she has been at the heart of Mainstream's advocacy since joining as Associate Director in 2021 and stepping into the role of Advocacy Director in 2024, fighting for Kansans at the Statehouse and in communities across the state. She knows this work, she knows this state, and she is exactly the leader Mainstream needs right now.

And right now matters. Over this past several years, we've watched Christian nationalist-aligned lawmakers push policy after policy aimed at eroding church-state separation by targeting queer Kansans, restricting reproductive freedom, dismantling public education, and attempting to stack our courts to entrench power rather than reflect the will of Kansans. This is precisely why Kansas faith leaders and community activists founded Mainstream more than three decades ago: to defend the constitutional promise of religious freedom for all by standing firmly for the separation of church and state. Mainstream’s mission is more urgent right now than at any point since.

I believe strongly in the Campsite Rule: leave a place better than you found it. Over the past six years of working together, we’ve tried to do just that. Lately, Mainstream and our partners have been meeting the moment by filling streets and halls with protests and rallies that the political era demanded. However, right now that’s not enough. Mainstream finds itself navigating a tougher financial and political climate, so even as I step down, I'm stepping up to do my part: staying engaged and continuing my annual membership donation. 

Church-state separation doesn't defend itself. So, here's my ask of you: introduce yourself to Laurel in the weeks ahead, and commit to supporting Mainstream’s work with a meaningful gift right now. Join me as a Member Leader with a gift of $100 or more. If you are already a member, please consider a tax-deductible donation. Either way, please stay engaged in Mainstream's work as we build this new chapter together.

Thank you for the trust you've placed in me and in Mainstream. Please join me in congratulating Laurel, and in continuing to show up right now and for the work ahead.

In solidarity,

Michael Poppa